Health care professionals’ view of the challenges and perspectives for containing bacterial resistance

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge about bacterial resistance, behavior, intervening factors, and perspectives for controlling the dissemination of resistant microorganisms according to the view of the health care professionals of a university hospital. This descriptive study was performed at an Adult Intensive Care Unit and Medical-surgical Clinic using a semi-structured questionnaire. Forty-three workers were interviewed, including (72.1%) nursing technicians, (11.6%) physiotherapists, (9.3%) physicians, (7.0%) nurses. The resistant microorganisms were referred by 95.3% as a very important issue, stating multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as most prevalent. The occurrence of resistant microorganisms was attributed to the non-compliance to the standard precaution (34.9%) and invasive procedures (21%); 76.7% reported perceiving hand washing as very effective; 55.8% pointed at the medical category when aiming at training. The fact that health care workers perceive bacterial resistance does not reflect in a stronger adherence to control measures.

Descriptors: Cross Infection; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Health Personnel; Nursing.